Leqvio and Repatha drive revival of lipid-modifying agents market, reports GlobalData

New Delhi: The lipid-modifying agents market, which has experienced a decade-long decline, is poised for a resurgence driven by innovative therapies, according to a recent report by GlobalData. Key among these therapies are Leqvio (inclisiran) by Novartis and Repatha (evolocumab) by Amgen, expected to spearhead the market’s recovery by 2030.

The market for lipid-modifying agents faced a significant downturn starting in 2011 following the expiration of patents for several blockbuster drugs, notably Lipitor (atorvastatin) from Viatris, which dominated sales with $11 billion in 2011 alone, nearly 39% of the market. The subsequent entry of generic competitors led to a steep decline, with Lipitor’s sales plummeting by 56% within a year.

Eleni Tokali, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, commented, “The market witnessed an unprecedented contraction with the expiry of patents for major lipid-modifying agents. Lipitor’s fall from grace epitomizes this decline, marking a period where the market shrank drastically, from a robust $28 billion in 2011 to much lower figures by 2020.”

GlobalData’s forecast predicts the lipid-modifying agents market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%, rebounding from a low of $6 billion in 2020 to $23 billion by 2030. Leqvio is anticipated to achieve a remarkable CAGR of 46.3%, soaring from $12 million in 2021 to $3.4 billion in 2030. Meanwhile, Repatha is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13%, reaching $2.6 billion in 2030. Together, Leqvio and Repatha are projected to capture 27% of the market share by 2030, underscoring their pivotal role in driving market expansion.

Recent years have witnessed a turnaround with the introduction of Leqvio and Repatha, signaling a new era of growth and innovation in lipid management. Leqvio, approved in the US in 2021, utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) to target PCSK9, a protein crucial in cholesterol regulation. Its unique mechanism increases LDL receptor levels in the liver, effectively lowering LDL cholesterol.

Repatha, a human monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9, received approval in 2015 and has since become integral in treating conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and hyperlipidemia.

Tokali highlighted, “Leqvio and Repatha represent significant advancements in lipid-modifying treatments. Their innovative approaches have not only reignited interest in the market but have provided effective options for patients unresponsive to traditional therapies like statins.”

Tokali concluded, “Following a substantial 79% decline in sales over the past decade, the lipid-modifying agents market is projected to rebound impressively to $23 billion in 2030, driven by groundbreaking therapies such as Leqvio and Repatha, signalling a transformative era in cardiovascular care.”